Military Aircraft Operations

Images of various military aircraft in action, including refueling missions and landing operations, showcasing dynamic aerial maneuvers and atmospheric conditions.

A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flies in the eye of Hurricane Ian Sept. 27, 2022. Ian is projected to make landfall in Florida after bringing hurricane conditions to Cuba.

A Bulgarian Air Force MiG-21bis armed with R-60 missiles.

A front view of a B-1 bomber aircraft as members of the 6515th Test Support Squadron prepare it for its first flight since April, 1981. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Solo Display of Lockheed F-104G Starfighter, D-8091. Device wears red-white-blue painting with inscription Klu 65 on the occasion of 65th anniversary of the Royal Netherlands Air Force on 17 June 1978. Demo flyer is Captain J.M.M. (Hans) van der Werf. Recording probably in the airbase Dias during said open day.

Italian Air Force F-35A and F-35B aircraft flying over Southern Italy during Exercise Falcon Strike.

The Boeing C-17 doing an aerial demonstration at the Watsonville airshow. The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. It was developed for the United States Air Force and is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating base anywhere in the world. It has the ability to rapidly deploy a combat unit to a potential battle area and sustain it with on-going supplies.

An Egyptian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial training operations with the U.S. Air Force in support of exercise Agile Phoenix within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility June 28, 2022. Agile Phoenix is a joint agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

DF-ST-87-10564. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 86-4 Base: Nyutabaru Air Base State: Kyashu Country: Japan (JPN)

Italian Air Force F-35A and F-35B aircraft flying over Southern Italy during Exercise Falcon Strike.

A view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft mounted upside-down on a test tower at the Rome Air Development Center Antenna Patterns Test Facility at the Newport site. The effectiveness of an AN/ALQ-119 electronic countermeasure pod, attached to the undercarriage of the F-4 is being determined without the aircraft being in flight. Base: Griffiss Air Force Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Josiah "Sirius" Gaffney, PACAF F-16 Demonstration Team pilot, performs an aerial demonstration during the Misawa Air Fest at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 11, 2022. The air show gave community members an opportunity to see various aircraft, meet military personnel and observe ground and aerial demonstrations, encompassing the power of the joint and bilateral forces. This years aerial demonstrations included the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II, Mitsubishi F-2, a CH-47J and UH-60 helicopter alongside a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler.

An A-6E Intruder aircraft lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). Country: Unknown

041113-F-6911G-005. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kyla Mercer-Welch, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, conducts a lift fan servicing inspection on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft with VMFA-242 in support of RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 11, 2022. The Indo-Pacific is a top priority for the United States, and exercises like Red Flag-Alaska are committed to ensuring U.S. forces are capable and ready to face the evolving challenges in the region.

An AV-8A Harrier aircraft takes off aboard the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Another Harrier is in flight in the background. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

111029-N-VN693-079ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 29, 2011) Sailors prepare to launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

A ground-to-air left side view of a BQM-34S Firebee I remotely-piloted target vehicle moments after lift-off from launch pad #55 at the Pacific Missile Test Center. The jet-assisted take-off bottle (JATO) has just separated from the rear of the drone. Base: Naval Air Station, Point Mugu State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air to air view from directly overhead of a 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing's SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, flying over clouds, on a mission out of Beale Air Force Base, California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

220624-N-XN177-1019 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 24, 2022) - F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 sit on the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) during night flight operations, June 24, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conduct aerial refueling during an agile combat employment exercise with U.S. Central Command regional partners within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility July 12, 2022. Ninth Air Force (AFCENT) led the combined rapid deployment exercise consisting of forward operating location establishment, simulated combat sortie generation, aerial refueling, ground hot-pit refueling as well as command and control procedures. This training demonstrates the flexibility of U.S. airpower assets and maintains interoperability with foreign partners for enhanced security of the region.

Ein Eurofighter Mehrzweckkampfflugzeug der Luftwaffe Bundeswehr. Aufgenommen im Rahmen der Uebung Rapid Viking 2023 in Island. Keflavik, 03.08.2023

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor prepares for take-off from Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 8, 2022. Kadena Air Bases strategic location, size and mix of combat capabilities makes it a powerful deterrent as well as a staging platform for disaster relief and other humanitarian operations in the region.

DN-SC-88-08215. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

010924-F-4177H-012. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Three Royal Bahraini Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons escort a U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress over the Persian Gulf in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, Sep. 4, 2022. The two B-52s deployed for this BTF mission departed from RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, and flew nonstop over the East Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula, and Red Sea before returning to RAF Fairford.

Venezuelan Air Force F-16 and Brazilian Air Force F-5 in flight over Brazil.

A B-1B Lancer, assigned to the 37th Bomb Squadron, undergoes post-flight inspections after returning from a Bomber Task Force deployment to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Nov. 19, 2022. BTF missions provide opportunities to train and work with U.S. allies and partners in joint and coalition operations and exercises.

A close-up view, seen from the KC-10 refueling aircraft, of the cockpit and refueling receptacle of a F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 120th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, Montana, during the refueling oepraiton. Both aircraft and crews are participating in the exercise that will test the response of the air intercept and air defense capabilities of the American and Canadian Forces, supporting the mission of NORAD (North American Air Defense command). SCREEN RESOLUTION ONLY. Subject Operation/Series: AMALGAM WARRIOR Base: Cold Lake State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

An 86th Tactical Fighter Wing F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft taxis in the direction of the control tower prior to takeoff during exercise Central Enterprise "89. Subject Operation/Series: CENTRAL ENTERPRISE '89 Base: Sembach Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

An F/A-18 Hornet flies above the flight line during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 43d Fighter Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, fly with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the Alabama ANG for aerial refueling during Sentry Savannah 22-1, May 5, 2022. Sentry Savannah, an ANG near-peer threat training exercise, brought more than 60 aircraft from active duty, ANG and Air Reserve units to the Air Dominance Center for the exercise.

An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft approaches for an arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during F/A-18 operation evaluation tests in 1983. Base: USS Constellation (CV 64) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Team Thunderbirds conduct a photo chase over Spaceport, New Mexico, Jan. 17, 2024. This winter training trip marks the third consecutive year the Thunderbirds have conducted winter training at Spaceport.

GULF OF OMAN (Jan. 30, 2014) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Swordsmen of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 is directed to the catapult on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman, flagship for the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, supporting theater security cooperation efforts and supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Tight in Flight" CATEGORY: Pictorial PLACE: First Place Pictorial CAPTION INFORMATION: Demonstrating power and precision flying ability the Thunderbirds amaze millions worldwide every year. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-00022. Country: Unknown

A left side view of an F-4G Phantom II aircraft banking to the right. The aircraft is assigned to the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron, 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

DF-SC-89-11190. Base: Unknown

Captain Joseph Dyer, USN passes the position of flight test and engineering group director to Captain R. A. Dudderar, USN in an airborne change of command over the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The aircraft are F/A-18 Hornet's assigned to the Patuxent River Test Flight Center. Base: Patuxent River State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

This photograph shows a ground cold flow test of the linear aerospike rocket engine mounted on the rear fuselage of an SR-71.

The Royal Air Force in Malta, June 1943 A De Havilland Mosquito II DZ231/`YP-R' of No 23 Squadron, Royal Air Force flying over Malta.

A US Navy F-14 Tomcat launches from the flight deck of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). The NIMITZ is currently deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, 27 January1998. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

BAKU - 26 June 2011 - Miliatary Parade in Baku, Azerbaijan on Army Day

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard (ANG), lands and takes off from a highway during Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training during Northern Agility-1 22 in Alger County, located in the Upper Peninsula of Mich., June 29, 2022. The Northern Agility exercise series exemplifies the MI ANGs progressive vision for fighter forward arming and refueling training that will land aircraft in an austere landing zone, continuing to champion ACE and adaptive basing concepts for the U.S. Air Force. ACE not only requires novel equipment, but also innovative Airmen that can support the Multi-Capable Airmen (MCA) concept.

Instructor pilots assigned to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program operate U.S. Air Force T-38C Talon aircraft above Wichita Falls, Texas, July 21, 2022. The ENJJPT program is conducted by the 80th Flying Training Wing and is the world's only multi-nationally manned and managed flying training program chartered to produce combat pilots for NATO.

General Dynamics F-16A of 323 Squadron while practicing evening and night flights at Leeuwarden airbase.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 1, 2013) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Swordsmen of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 launches from aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise in preparation for its upcoming deployment.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender over the panhandle of Florida, Aug. 15, 2022. The F-35A provides next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness and reduced vulnerability for the United States and allied nations.

detail Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes FA-18 Hornet grey tail wing rudder

Polish media capture imagery of a Polish Air Force F-16 assigned to the 32nd Air Tactical base during media day, Aug. 23, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The 32nd Air Tactical Base hosted a media day with the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to highlight the mission of the F-22 Raptor in theater and to enhance the U.S. Alliance with Poland.

120208-N-ZI635-549ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 8, 2012) The moon rises over aircraft on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A T-37 Tweet aircraft flies off the left wing of another Tweet during Torchlight '87, a four-day flying and maintenance competition hosted by the 12th Flying Training Wing at Randolph Air Force Base. Subject Operation/Series: TORCHLIGHT '87 State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Bulgarian and Polish Air Force MiG-29s planes flying over Bulgaria.

(March 20, 2011) ABOARD USS KEARSARGE, at sea - A Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron, 26th Marine Expeditionary Units AV-8B Harrier jump jet returns to USS Kearsarge for fuel and ammunition resupply while conducting air strikes in support of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, March 20, 2011. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III.

DF-ST-86-09333. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AN air-to-air left side view of four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Country: Norway (NOR)

An air-to-air left side view of various U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School aircraft flying in formation. The aircraft include, from top to bottom: an F-111A, A-10A Thunderbolt II, F-15 Eagle, F-4 Phantom II, F-16A Fighting Falcon, and F-5 Tiger aircraft. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The blades of a helicopter. The blades of a helicopter. Museum exhibit of combat helicopters. Military Hill. Museum of Temryuk. Copyright: xZoonar.com/LeonidxEremeychukx 9891673

Under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), F-15s assigned to the Massachusetts Air National Guard, CF-18s assigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force, and a KC-135 assigned to the Main Air National Guardfly in formation behind a KC-135 assigned to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard during air-defense Operation NOBLE DEFENDER, Oct. 27, 2022. Operation NOBLE DEFENDER is a long-planned NORAD exercise that validates the commands capability to defend Canada and the United States from every avenue of approach. The Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) led this iteration of OND and coordinated and conducted combined operations, while concurrently launching aircraft from different locations across the northeast coast of the United States. F-15 and KC-135 aircraft from CONR and CF-18 aircraft from the Canadian NORAD Region participated in the operation. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and U.S. command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform at the Orlando Air and Space Show in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 30, 2022. Since 1953, the Thunderbirds team has served as Americas premier air demonstration squadron, entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Lindsay MAD” Johnson, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team pilot, flies in a heritage flight formation over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 26, 2023. Heritage Flights are flown with current and former U.S. Air Force aircraft that pay tribute to Airmen, past and present, for their service and dedication to ensuring national security.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Lindsay MAD Johnson, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, flies over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 26, 2023. During the performance, Johnson showcased different aerial maneuvers, including simulated gun runs, highlighting the capabilities of the A-10.

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has partnered with Tyndall Air Force Base to complete a multibillion-dollar reconstruction project after Hurricane Michael destroyed 60 percent of the base in 2018. The use of digital twin technology has allowed leadership at Tyndall to virtually experience reconstruction plans, make decisions more easily, and perfect operations before actual construction begins. With the help of the ERDCs Research and Development Environment network and digital twin technology, Tyndall is on its way to being the countrys most advanced military installation to date an Installation of the Future.

040625-F-0375W-071. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020131-F-7910D-017. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET WHITE Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

USA, Arizona, Glendale, Luke Air Force Base. F-16 Falcon, P-38 Lightning, and an F-86 Sabre jet in formation.

020701-F-5435R-019. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 10, 2015) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 approaches the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) prior to landing. Dwight D. Eisenhower is underway conducting flight deck certifications.

011207-F-4473M-043. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon flies over Knob Noster, Missouri, April 5, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger showed the Air Force's ability to improve mission readiness and increasing capabilities in challenging environments.

Formations Of Martin B-26 Marauders Of The 386Th Bomb Group Drone Steadily Towards Their Target - An Enemy Installaion Somewhere In Europe On 1 June 1945.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron returns to patrol after refueling from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 21, 2022. Fighter aircraft routinely conduct presence patrols within the CENTCOM AOR to reassure allies and ensure regional security.

US Air Force Technical Sergeant James Walker from the 1ST Equipment Maintenance Squadron, attaches a rope atop the tail section of an US Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft during an aircraft lift scenario for the 1ST Fighter Wing's Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) at Langley AFB, Virginia. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left side view of two F-15 Eagle aircraft in flight over West Germany during Reforger-Crested Cap II. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER-CRESTED CAP II Country: Unknown

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